Sub-slab soil gas sampling system

ABSTRACT

A system for sampling sub-slab soil gas having an adaptor body that includes a first barbed portion, a collar portion, a second barbed portion, an internal cavity that axially passes through the length of the adaptor body, and a coupling portion. The system further includes one or more extensions such as a fitting extension, a filter extension, a sieve extension and a length extension, each of which are threadably retainable with the coupling portion of the adaptor body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is the U.S. national stage of International PatentApplication PCT/US2014/072091, filed Dec. 23, 2014, the entire contentof which is hereby incorporated by reference.

INVENTIVE FIELD

Exemplary embodiments are directed to mechanical devices and systems.More particularly, exemplary embodiments are directed to a device andsystem for facilitating the analysis of samples of sub-slab soil gas.

BACKGROUND

The potential for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated withcontaminated soil and groundwater to enter homes and businesses throughbasements and building slabs is a recent focus of federal and stateenvironmental protections agencies. This potential route of exposure iscommonly referred to as the “vapor intrusion pathway.” Evaluations ofthe potential risk associated with long-term exposure to VOCs have beenpublished by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) andother entities. These evaluations indicate that very low concentrationsof some of these VOCs, on the order of a few parts per billion in somecases, can pose an unacceptable risk to building occupants. In somesituations, sub-slab soil gas samples are collected to evaluate vaporconcentrations and the potential for these vapors to enter a building.

The science of analyzing samples of sub-slab soil gas is known. However,the practicalities of collecting these samples of gas are quitecumbersome. Techniques and devices currently used and proposed in recentdraft guidance documents by the EPA and other agencies to collectsub-slab soil gas samples are built upon the experience of environmentalprofessionals gained over many years of sampling groundwater via monitorwells. In essence, the current state of the art for sub-slab sampling isthe use of a miniature well installed through the slab. These wells, or“sub-slab vapor points” are typically installed by boring a fairly crudehole through the slab and cementing a metal tube in place. At the top ofthe tube are a number of threaded fittings that allow the vapor point tobe connected via plastic tubing to an evacuated vessel, known in the artas a summa canister.

Because the levels of concern for many of the VOCs are so low, leaks inthe vapor point fittings or along the edge of the vapor point itselfallow indoor air to dilute the sample, rendering the sample useless.This situation is exacerbated by the fact that most vapor points must besampled on multiple occasions. Each time the vapor point is used it mustbe disconnected and reconnected using multiple wrenches, usually intight quarters. This activity can cause some fittings to progressivelyloosen and leak more readily, or result in the point itself losing itsbond with the cement used to anchor it during installation. Federal andstate EPA officials recognize this shortcoming and have developedelaborate, time consuming methods for detecting such leaks.

The collection of sub-slab samples can also be inconvenient to buildingoccupants since it requires the removal of floor coverings and coring ordrilling of the foundation slab. One recommended method is using anelectric hammer drill or rotary hammer to produce an inner pilot holeinto the concrete slab. After the pilot hole is drilled, an individualmust drill an outer hole to a predetermined depth using a larger drillbit. After the outer hole is finished, the individual must use theoriginal tool to assure that the pilot hole is then drilled through theslab and several inches into the sub-slab material. Once the drilling iscompleted, a stainless steel probe is assembled and inserted into thepre-drilled hole. The probe is mounted as flush as possible with thesurrounding slab to minimize the interference with pedestrian orvehicular traffic. The probe has to be cemented into place to ensurethat the probe assembly is air-tight with the foundation slab. Since thecement has to cure, an individual must come back at least one furthertime before sampling of the sub-soil may occur, further inconveniencinga homeowner or business.

Attempts have been made to overcome these and other difficultiesinherent in the task of collecting sub-slab soil gas samples foranalysis. Various devices and systems have been developed for use insuch collection, for instance those previously described in U.S. Pat.No. 8,220,347 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/551,213, bothco-owned by the applicant and the fully incorporated herein byreference. Those references disclose invented devices, systems and theirmethods of use that facilitate the collection of sub-slab soil gassamples by, in part, eliminating the intrusion of the collection systemon the interior building space, reducing the potential for damage to theslab introduced by previously used methods of collection, reducing oreliminating the risk of leakage during sampling thereby increasingtesting efficacy/efficiency, and reducing collection costs through theintroduction of reusable system components, for instance.

However, it has been found that certain disadvantages and drawbacksremain in the current state-of-the-art devices and systems. For example,variations in slab, bedding and foundation thicknesses, and ingeographic structures of various testing locations have resulted in aneed for sub-slab soil gas collection at variable depths relative to thetop surface of a particular slab. Furthermore, as the art of sub-slabsoil gas analysis continues to advance, soil gas collection may beneeded at an increasing variety of depths relative to the top surface ofa given slab. In some instances, drilling well into the backfill ornative material beneath a slab to a desired depth for collection isfound to increase the potential for clogging or the introduction ofundesirable particulates into the vapor stream entering the samplingdevice.

In some cases, it may be desirable to introduce an external samplingdevice or probe into a space beneath a slab. Currently known samplingsystems, however, either are not compatible with such sampling devicesor require invasive installation techniques that are cumbersome,undesirable, and often cause unwanted damage to the slab or structure.

What is desired are devices and systems that eliminate some or all ofthe drawbacks of the known devices and techniques for measuring sub-slabsoil gas. Providing a leak-resistant device that allows for promptinstallation and removal, saving time and money may eliminate some orall of these drawbacks. Also, a device and system that allows forinstallation to occur in one appointment is desirable. Such a device mayalso be designed for use with different VOC measuring devices, bothabove—and below—slab, and with other sampling devices generally. Thereis also need for a system that provides some or all of these advantagesin addition to the ability to collect samples at a point beneath theslab, and without clogging or contamination of the device and sample,respectively. No known references, taken alone or in combination, areseen as teaching or suggesting the presently claimed apparatus for usein the sampling of sub-slab soil gas.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of the device may eliminate some or all of theaforementioned drawbacks of the current art. Exemplary embodiments ofthe system components may be machined from a single piece material, suchas brass or stainless steel, eliminating the need for multiple fittingsand thereby reducing the number of potential leaks. Exemplaryembodiments of the system may be installed into a one-inch diameter holecored through the slab of concrete or other foundation material. Thecored hole provides a smoother bonding surface and can be accomplishedusing a standard, hand-held coring machine. Exemplary embodiments of thesystem may be driven into the cored hole using a hammer or similardevice. Installation of exemplary embodiments of the system forcesflexible silicone tubing located on at least a portion of the exteriorsurface of an adaptor body against the interior wall of the cored hole,effectuating an air-tight, or almost air-tight, seal between the coredslab and the device. Exemplary embodiments of the adaptor body of thesystem may then be connected to a portion of sampling tubing via anair-tight barbed fitting.

Exemplary embodiments of the system include an adaptor body having alength and proximal and distal ends. The adaptor body includes a firstbarbed portion disposed at the proximal end of the adaptor body, asecond barbed portion disposed at the distal end of the adaptor body, acollar portion disposed between the first and second barbed portions, aninternal cavity having an interior surface and passing through thelength of the adaptor body, and a coupling portion having an internalthread disposed on the interior surface of the internal cavity andextending longitudinally thereon from the distal end of the adaptorbody.

On object of the invention is to provide a system that can be used tocollect sub-slab soil gas at varying depths with respect to the topsurface of a given slab, without necessitating the manufacture ofadaptor body components having many different lengths. Another object ofthe invention is to provide a system that can be used to collectsub-slab soil gas at points beneath the give slab without introducingparticulates into the vapor stream being collected, and withoutincreasing the potential for clogging occurring in the cavities of thesystem. Exemplary embodiments of such a system include an extensionhaving a length a first and second ends. The extension has an internalcavity extending longitudinally through the extension from the first endof the extension to an outlet at the second end of the extension, and anexternal thread disposed at the first end of the extension adapted forcomplimentary threaded retention within the coupling portion of theadaptor body.

In some embodiments, the extension is a fitting extension having afitting portion disposed at the outlet. The fitting extension may be,for instance a barbed portion disposed at the outlet, wherein one ormore generally frustum shaped barbs are disposed thereon whereby otherdown-hole sampling devices may be attached to the system directly orindirectly, for instance via stainless steel or rigid or flexibleplastic tubing. Some exemplary embodiments include an external engagingportion disposed between the external thread and the barbed portion ofthe fitting extension. The external engaging portion may have a lateralcross-sectional shape adapted for use with a tool such as a wrench totighten or loosen the connection between the extension and the adaptorbody.

In some exemplary embodiments of the system, the extension is a filterextension having a filter element disposed at the outlet. The filterelement may, for instance, include a filter element having an attachmentaperture and at least one internal rib disposed within the attachmentaperture, and a barbed portion having at least one barb disposed at theoutlet, wherein the barbed portion is retained within the attachmentaperture of the filter element by complimentary engagement between theat least one internal rib and the at least one barb. In someembodiments, the filter element is formed of a sintered porous metal.Exemplary embodiments of the system may include a filter extensionhaving an external engaging portion disposed between the external threadand the barbed portion of the filter extension. The external engagingportion may, for instance, have a lateral cross-sectional shape adaptedfor use with a tool such as a wrench to tighten or loosen the connectionbetween the filter extension and the adaptor body.

Further exemplary embodiments of the system may be provided wherein theextension is a sieve extension having a plurality of lateral outletswherein each lateral outlet intersects with the internal cavity of thesieve extension. In some embodiments, the sieve extension may include anexternal engaging portion disposed at its second end. The externalengaging portion may, for instance, have a lateral cross-sectional shapeadapted for use with a tool such as a wrench to tighten or loosen theconnection between the sieve extension and the adaptor body. In someembodiments, the external engaging portion has a length and a circularcross-sectional shape with two opposing parallel sides. One object ofthe system is to provide lateral gas passageways by way of a pluralityof lateral outlets. In some embodiments, the plurality of lateraloutlets has at least one pair of outlet cavities extending laterallythrough the engaging portion in an intersecting “X” pattern. Inpreferred embodiments, the lateral outlets are provided as three pair ofoutlet cavities extending laterally through the engaging portion,wherein each pair is configured in an intersecting “X” pattern.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system forsampling sub-slab soil gas wherein the outlet or outlet(s) may bepositioned at variable depths and even beneath a slab. A further objectis to provide such ability without requiring the manufacture of a widevariety of adaptor bodies having differing lengths. In some embodiments,the adaptor body and extension are further provided with a lengthextension having first and second ends coupled to and between theadaptor body and extension. The length extension has an internal cavityhaving an interior surface extending longitudinally through the lengthextension from the first end to the second end, an external threaddisposed at the first end adapted for complimentary threaded retentionwithin the coupling portion of the adaptor body, and a coupling portionhaving an internal thread disposed on the interior surface and extendinglongitudinally thereon from the second end of the length extension,wherein the internal thread is adapted to threadably retain the externalthread of the extension. The installation of an embodiment of theinvented system having an adaptor body, length extension and extensionsuch as a fitting extension, filter extension or sieve extension, forinstance, allows for the collection of soil gas samples via a continuousinternal cavity having one or more outlets wherein the soil gas mayenter and travel to the proximal end of the adaptor body for analysis.

An exemplary embodiment of the device may be associated with anautomated installation device. Such a device may be robotic in nature,or may be another type of automated device. Alternatively, an exemplaryembodiment of the device may be employed by an individual to manuallyinstall the device, such as by a hammer.

It is an object of this invention to provide a system for use in thecollection of sub-slab soil gas of the type generally described herein,being adapted for the purposes set forth herein, and overcomingdisadvantages found in the prior art. These and other advantages areprovided by the invention described and shown in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In addition to the features mentioned above, other aspects of thepresent invention will be readily apparent from the followingdescriptions of the drawings and exemplary embodiments, wherein likereference numerals across the several views refer to identical orequivalent features, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of anadaptor body;

FIG. 2a is a front elevation view thereof;

FIG. 2b is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 3a is a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of atubular body;

FIG. 3b is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an adaptor bodyand tubular body installed within a foundation slab;

FIG. 5a is a sectional view of the adaptor body and tubular body of FIG.4 with the installation tool prior to extraction;

FIG. 5b is a sectional view thereof after extraction has occurred;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of aninstallation tool;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment ofan adaptor body;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an exemplary tool being used to install theadaptor device and tubular body of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 illustrates the tool of FIG. 8 being used to remove adaptor bodyand tubular body of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 illustrates a further view of the extraction process thereof;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of an exemplary covering for exemplaryembodiments of the adaptor body;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of an exemplary covering engaged with anexemplary adaptor body installed in an foundation slab;

FIG. 13a is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a fittingextension component of the invented sampling system;

FIG. 13b is a front elevation view thereof;

FIG. 13c is a sectional view thereof;

FIG. 14a is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a filterextension component of the invented sampling system;

FIG. 14b is a front elevation view thereof;

FIG. 14c is a sectional view thereof;

FIG. 15a is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a sieveextension component of the invented sampling system;

FIG. 15b is a front elevation view thereof;

FIG. 15c is a sectional view thereof;

FIG. 16a is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a lengthextension component of the invented sampling system;

FIG. 16b is a front elevation view thereof;

FIG. 16c is a sectional view thereof;

FIG. 17 illustrates a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of theinvented sampling system in use in connection with an exemplary slab;and

FIG. 18 illustrates a sectional view of a further exemplary embodimentof the invented sampling system in use in connection with an exemplaryslab.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

A portion of the following detailed description first discusses priorart devices known for use in sub-slab soil gas analysis, taken andadapted in part from U.S. Pat. No. 8,220,347 and U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/551,213, both co-owned by the applicant. Reference should bemade therein for further details regarding the current state of the art.FIG. 1 depicts one exemplary embodiment of a known prior art adaptorbody. As shown, this particular adaptor body 15 includes a first barbedportion 20, an external engaging portion 30, a recess 40, a collarportion 50, a second barbed portion 60 and a raised end 70.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2 b, the adaptor body includes a proximal end 15 aand a distal end 15 b. Exemplary embodiments of the adaptor body 15 mayinclude a first barbed portion 20, an external engaging portion 30, arecess 40, a collar portion 50, a second barbed portion 60 and a raisedend 70. As seen in FIGS. 2a-2b , adaptor bodies 15 are known to includean internal cavity 16 that axially passes through the length of theadaptor body 15 from the proximal end 15 a to the distal end 15 b. Theinternal cavity 16 allows gas found in the subsoil to flow through theadaptor body 15 and be read by a soil gas measuring device (not shown)that is connected with the adaptor body 15. The cross-sectional area andgeometry of the internal cavity 16 may be substantially similarthroughout the length of the adaptor body 15.

In this embodiment, the first barbed portion 20 of the adaptor body 15is located towards the proximal end 15 a thereof. The first barbedportion 20 generally includes at least one barb 17. In some examples,the barbs 17 are generally conical in geometry to facilitate thereleasable securement of an exemplary embodiment of tubing (not shown)that connects the adaptor body 15 with a soil gas measuring device, suchas a SUMMA canister. As such, the first barbed portion 20 is oftenmanufactured from readily available sizes of round stock, therebyreducing manufacturing time and expense, although it may have any numberof cross-sectional geometries depending upon the cross-sectionalgeometry of the tubing that connects the device with the soil gasmeasuring device. Typically, the end-most barb located towards theproximal end 15 a may include a generally rounded face that facilitatesthe insertion of the first barbed portion 20 within the inner cavity ofthe tubing that connects the adaptor body 15 with a soil gas measuringdevice. In some exemplary embodiments, there are no gaps or landsections between the barbs 17. In such embodiments, the end of the barbwith the smaller outside diameter may abut the next barb's end with thelarger outside diameter.

Typically, when the barbs 17 bear a fixed dimensional relationship tothe inside diameter of the tubing that connects the adaptor body 15 witha soil gas measuring device, the tubing will form a reliable pressuretight seal to the adaptor body 15. In one embodiment, the large diameterends of the barbs 17 may be approximately 0.30″, while the innerdiameter of the tubing may be approximately 0.25″. This type ofpress-fit may cause the tube to spread or flare so that after the firstbarbed portion 20 is fully inserted within the tube, the tube willreturn to its original size after releasable securement. Furthermore, insome embodiments, the conical shape of the barb 17, which is widertoward the point of insertion, provides a manner of anchoring theflexible tubing body 80 during the insertion process so that the tubingbody 80 does not move in relation to the adaptor body 15 duringinsertion (see FIGS. 3a and 3b ).

The external engaging portion 30 of the adaptor body 15 includes anexternal engaging portion, in this example, a flange 32 adapted toengage a wrench or other tool. The external engaging portion 30 is shownhere to be of substantially circular shape, wherein a portion of opposedsides are substantially parallel to one another. However, other shapesare also possible. In another example, the outside geometry of theexternal engaging portion 30 is substantially hexagonal or square ingeometry to allow a user to engage thereto with a wrench or other tool.While this embodiment of the fastener engaging portion contains aflange, other embodiments are known to include a component, which allowsfor engagement with different tools, including a screwdriver headcomponent, a hex head component, TORX head component, drill headcomponent, or another engaging structure that can tighten and/or movethe adaptor body 15 by rotational movement.

In some embodiments, the engaging portion 30 may be integral with thefirst barbed portion 20, such as by molding or turning. In otherembodiments, the engaging portion 30 may be attached to the first barbedportion 20, such as by welding. Alternatively, the first barbed portion20 may be removably attached to the engaging portion 30 so that thedevice 15 may be used with tubing of various sizes.

In exemplary embodiments, the collar portion 50 is generally joined tothe engaging portion 30 by an optional recess area 40 which has agenerally cylindrical shape. The geometry of the recess area 40 may beof various cross-sectional areas, although a substantially roundcross-sectional area may simplify manufacturing. The optional recessarea 40 may also allow a wrench or other tool 100 to engage the engagingportion 30 and/or the collar portion 50 of the adaptor body 15 tofacilitate the installation and/or removal of the adaptor body 15. Inone example, as seen in FIGS. 5a and 5b , an individual may use the tool100 to install and/or remove the device.

In this example, the entire collar portion 50 is substantially circularin cross-sectional geometry, wherein the diameter is substantially thesame along the length thereof. The cross-sectional geometry of thecollar section is typically substantially circular to facilitate theinsertion of adaptor body 15 within in a corresponding hole in the slabthat is likewise substantially circular. However, in other embodiments,the collar portion 50 may also be of other cross-sectional shapes. Asaforementioned, one of the main functions of the collar portion 50 is toprovide a surface for a tool to contact the adaptor body 15 forinstallation and/or removal of the adaptor body 15 during use. In someembodiments, during installation of the adaptor body 15, once the distalend of the collar portion 50 engages a portion of the slab, the deviceis fully engaged, as depicted in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, the collarportion 50 may taper inward (not shown) from a larger diameter as itextends longitudinally from the proximal end 15 a of the adaptor body15. The taper may facilitate the securement of the tubular body 80 tothe adaptor body 15 during installation. In some embodiments, the collarportion 50 may be integral with the engaging portion 30, and the recessportion 40 such as by molding or turning. In other embodiments, theengaging portion 30 and the collar portion 50 may be attached to therecess portion 40, such as by welding.

As shown in the illustration of a known adaptor body as depicted inFIGS. 1-2 b, the second barbed portion 60 of the adaptor body 15 may belocated towards the distal end 15 b thereof. The second barbed portion60 generally includes at least one barb 61. In some examples, the barbs61 are generally conical in geometry to facilitate the releasablesecurement of the tubing body 80, as seen in FIG. 4. As such, the secondbarbed portion 60 may be manufactured from readily available sizes ofround stock, thereby reducing manufacturing time and expense. However,it should be realized that the second barbed portion 60 may have anynumber of cross-sectional geometries, depending upon the cross-sectionalgeometry of the tubular body 80. Typically, the barbs 61 may taper froma larger diameter from the distal end 15 b thereof. However, in otherembodiments, some or all of the barbs 61 may taper from a largerdiameter from the proximal end 15 a thereof. In some exemplaryembodiments, there are no gaps or land sections between the barbs 61. Insuch embodiments, the end of the barb with the smaller outside diametermay abut the next barb's end with the larger outside diameter.

Typically, when the barbs 61 bear a fixed dimensional relationship tothe inside diameter of the tubular body 80 there will form a reliablepressure tight seal therebetween. In one embodiment, the large diameterends of the barbs 61 may be approximately 0.79″, while the innerdiameter of the tubular body 80 may be approximately 0.75″. This type ofpress-fit may cause the tube to spread or flare so that after the secondbarbed portion 60 is fully inserted within the tubular body 80, thetubular body 80 will return to its original size after releasablesecurement.

The exemplary embodiment raised end 70 of FIG. 1 can be seen in moredetail in FIG. 2a . As shown, the raised end 70 is a substantiallycylindrical shape, although other shapes are possible. This example ofthe raised end include a chamfer 72 or rounded end located at the distalend 15 b of the adaptor body 15, which facilitates the insertion of theraised end 70 within the inner cavity of the tubular body 80. Typically,but not necessarily, the outside diameter of the raised end 70 isapproximately the same diameter of the largest diameter of the barbs 61.However, in other embodiments, the outside diameter of the raised end 70may be greater or less than the outside diameter of the barbs 61.

Adaptor bodies may be made of any number of materials, such as, forexample, brass, plastics, or other metals, such as stainless steel.Whatever material is selected, the resulting adaptor body 15 should havesufficient strength to withstand the insertion and extraction of theadaptor body within the slab. Furthermore, it is preferred that thematerial is easy to manufacture, if machined.

As shown in FIG. 4, during installation the second barbed portion 60 andraised end 70 has disposed thereon a tubular body 80. Known tubularbodies are made of materials flexible enough to allow securement of thetubular body 80 around the second barbed portion 60 and the raised end70, along with providing an air-tight seal between the adaptor body 15and the inside diameter of a hole drilled into the slab of a basement orfoundation of a building. In one particular example, the tubular body 80is fabricated from low-VOC content Silicone tubing, available fromDow-Corning. As aforementioned, the interior cavity 82 of the tubularbody 80 is adapted to receive the raised end 70 and second barbedportion 60 of the adaptor body 15 and may be of any shape required toproduce mating engagement therebetween. Furthermore, in some embodimentsone or more optional seals (not shown) may be placed around the barbs 61of the second barbed portion 60 to help effectuate an air-tight sealbetween the tubular body 80 and the adaptor body 15. It is also known tocoat or otherwise cover the interior cavity of the tubular body 80and/or the exterior of the second barbed portion 60 and/or raised end 70with a high friction material for facilitating the engagementtherebetween. Tubular body lengths may vary, depending upon the lengthbetween the collar portion 50 and the distal end 15 b of the adaptorbody 15. In one example, the length of the tubular body 80 isapproximately 3.75 inches. Likewise, the outside diameter of exemplaryembodiments of the tubular body 80 may vary depending upon the insidediameter of the hole drilled or bored within the slab of concrete orother foundation of a building or other structure.

Particularly, in a normal assembled installation state as seen in FIG.4, the tubular body 80 is wedged between the second barbed portion 60and/or the raised end 70, and the inside wall of the drilled or coredhole that extends through the foundation slab. In some methods ofinstallation, the tubular body 80 is releasably secured around thesecond barbed portion 60 before the device is installed within the coredhole. In other embodiments, an installation tool 100, as seen in FIGS.5a and 5b may apply pressure on a portion of the adaptor body 15 toeffectuate installation within the cored hole.

During installation and/or extraction the tool 100 may include an innerbody 110 that includes a contacting portion 112 at a first end 110 awith an aperture 114 that complements the cross-sectional geometry ofthe engaging portion 30. In one example, the contacting portion 112 maybe secured to the inner body 110 by one or more fasteners 116. However,in other examples the contacting portion 112 may be integral with theinner body 110, such as by welding, etc. The tool 100 may facilitateinstallation by allowing an individual to place the inner body 110 overand/or around the engaging portion 30 wherein at least a portion of theinner face of the contacting portion 112 of the tool 100 may contact theengaging portion 30 and/or at least a portion of the outer face of thecontacting portion 112 may contact the collar portion 50 to allow theindividual to strike a second portion of the tool 100 with a hammer orother object to facilitate installation of the adaptor body 15.

In other embodiments, an installation tool 100, as seen in FIGS. 5a and5b may apply pressure on a portion of the adaptor body 15 to effectuateinstallation within the cored hole. In this embodiment, the contactingportion 112 may be positioned over and around the engaging portion 30,wherein at least a portion of the inner face of the contacting portions112 of the tool 100 may contact the engaging portion 30 and/or at leasta portion of the outer face of the contacting portion 112 may contactthe collar portion 50 when the inner body 110 is turned approximatelyninety degrees. In some examples, a surface of the contacting portion112 or inner body 110 may include one or more raised surfaces 118 orother stopping device adapted to prohibit an individual from turning theinner body 110 of the tool 100 beyond a desired location, to effectuatecontact with the device for installation and/or removal.

Exemplary embodiments of the inner body 110 are tubular incross-sectional geometry. In some examples, it may be preferred that theinner body 110 is substantially cylindrical. The inner body 110 mayinclude a threaded surface 117 located towards a second end 110 b. Thethreaded surface 117 may be integral with the inner body 110, or may bea separate piece adhered to within or to the inner body 110. Thethreaded surface 117 is adapted to complement the threaded surface of abolt or other threaded fastener 130, described later and seen in FIGS.5a and 5 b.

In some examples, the tool 100 may further include an outer body 120that is tubular in cross-sectional geometry. In the example depicted inFIGS. 5a and 5b , the outer body 120 is substantially cylindrical incross-sectional geometry to complement the geometry of the inner body110. The first end of the outer body 120 contains an aperture 122 largeenough to allow the outer body 120 to be positioned around the innerbody 110.

Furthermore, some exemplary embodiments of the outer body 120 mayinclude a top portion 124 with an aperture 126 located towards thesecond end thereof. In the example depicted in FIGS. 5a and 5b , the topportion 124 is a plate adhered to the second end of the outer body 120.However, in other embodiments, the top portion 124 may be optionallysecured with the outer body 120 by fasteners or other securing devices.

During one exemplary method of extraction of the adaptor body 15, anindividual may releasably secure the inner body 110 with the device asaforementioned. After the inner body 110 is secured with the adaptorbody 15, the individual may position the outer body 120 around the innerbody 110, as depicted in FIGS. 5a and 5b , wherein at least a portion ofthe outer body 120 engages the concrete slab 200. The individual placesa bolt or other threaded fastener 130 down through the aperture 126located towards the second end. An optional washer 132 or similar devicemay be used to help distribute the force exerted on the head of thethreaded fastener 130. An individual may then rotationally engage thethreaded fastener 130 with the complementary threaded surface 117,effectuating the removal of the device, as seen in FIG. 5 b.

Likewise, the complementary portion of the tool 100 may be placed overand around the engaging portion 30, then rotated approximately ninetydegrees so that the adaptor body 15 may be removed. In otherembodiments, an installation tool 100, as seen in FIGS. 5a and 5b mayapply pressure on a portion of the adaptor body 15 to effectuateinstallation and/or removal within the cored hole.

In some installation methods, the adaptor body is pressed downward inthe cored hole until the collar engages the slab. However, someexemplary embodiments of the adaptor body may install wherein theadaptor body is mounted flush to accommodate a larger hole that isdrilled deep enough to allow the first barbed portion to lie below thesurface of the slab. In this exemplary embodiment, the entire adaptorbody is mounted at least flush, if not below the surface level of theslab, decreasing the likelihood that the device may be damaged afterinstallation. Installation of exemplary embodiments of the adaptor bodymay be installed into a one-inch diameter hole cored through the slab ofconcrete or other foundation material. The cored hole provides asmoother bonding surface and can be accomplished using a standard,hand-held coring machine. Exemplary embodiments of the adaptor body maybe driven into the cored hole using a hammer or similar device.

Installation of exemplary embodiments of the adaptor body may force theflexible silicone tubular body located on at least a portion of theexterior surface thereof against the interior wall of the cored hole,effectuating an air-tight, or almost air-tight, seal between the coredslab and the device. Exemplary embodiments of the adaptor body may thenbe connected to a portion of the sampling tubing via an air-tight barbedfitting.

As mentioned above, it is also possible to manually install knownadaptor body devices and accouterments within the foundation of a home,building or other surface that contains a foundation made of concrete orsimilar substance. Whether designed for manual or automatic operation,known devices, as well as those of the present invention, may begenerally associated with an automatic soil gas reading device (notshown). Such a soil gas reading device is operative to automaticallyread the VOC levels of the native material 400 such as soil and/orgravel backfill 300 contained under the foundation wherein such devicesare installed, such as depicted in FIGS. 4-5 b.

FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a known adaptor body500. In this embodiment, the adaptor body 500 has a first barbed end 505and second barbed end 510. The adaptor body 500 also has a male threadedcollar 515 separating the first barbed portion 505 and the second barbedportion 510. A raised end 520 is provided at the distal end of thesecond barbed portion 510. As discussed herein, the first barbed portion505 is sized and adapted to facilitate a connection between the adaptorbody 500 and a soil gas measuring device (not shown). The second barbedportion 510 is sized and adapted for insertion into a tube 80. Theadaptor body 500 may have a unitary design or it may be constructed ofmodular sections. A modular construction would allow the first 505 andsecond 510 barbed portions and the threaded collar 515 to be changed toaccommodate different sized components, thereby giving the adaptor body500 greater flexibility. The adaptor body 500 may be made of brass orother material sufficiently strong to withstand the installation andextraction process. To allow soil gas samples to be taken, the adaptorbody 500 has an internal passageway through which the soil gas maytravel.

The adaptor body 500 is also known to be installed and extracted usingan exemplary embodiment of a tool 600. FIG. 8 illustrates anotherexemplary tool 600 used for the installation and extraction of theadaptor body 500. As shown, a known tool 600 has a T-shaped body. Thetool 600 includes a stem portion 610 and a handle portion 615. As shownin FIG. 8, the stem 610 has a first end 620 and second end 625. Thesecond end 625 intersects the handle 615 so that the stem portion 610extends substantially perpendicular from the handle 615. The first end620 of the stem portion 610 is threaded and has an extraction cavity 630therein. The threaded portion 640 of the first end 620 is apredetermined length sufficient for extraction of the adaptor body 500,as will be discussed herein. To install the adaptor body 500, the handlehas at least one installation cavity 635 therein. As shown in FIG. 8,the installation cavity 635 is adapted to accommodate the first barbedend 505 of the adaptor body 500.

To install the adaptor body 500 using the tool 600, the first barbed end505 is inserted into the installation cavity 635 in the handle 615. Thetool 600 rests on a surface created by the threaded collar 515. A malletor other device is then used to strike the end of the handle 615opposite of the installation cavity 635 in order to force the adaptorbody 500 into the drilled core (as shown in FIG. 8). After installationof the adaptor body 500, the tool 600 is simply removed from the adaptorbody 500 and the adaptor body 500 is connected to a soil gas measuringdevice.

A typical extraction of the adaptor body 500 is illustrated in FIGS. 9and 10. The threaded portion 640 of the first end 620 of the stem 610 isthreaded into the coupling 700. The coupling 700 is threaded completelyonto the pre-determined length of the threaded portion 640. The tool 600is then used to thread the coupling 700 onto the threaded collar 515 ofthe adaptor body 500. The coupling 700 can be threaded onto the adaptorbody 500 then the tool 600 may be threaded into the coupling 700.

To extract the adaptor body 500 from the core, a user continues to turnthe tool 600. Due to the threaded connection between the adaptor body500 and the coupling 700, the adaptor body 500 is forced upward into thecoupling 700. As the adaptor body 500 is raised upward as a result ofthe rotational motion of the tool 600, the first barbed portion 505 ofthe adaptor body 500 is inserted into the extraction cavity 630. Thisenables the adaptor body 500 to be moved upward without the need toreadjust the tool 600. Once the threaded collar 515 comes into contactwith the first end 620 of the tool 600, the tool 600 can be used to liftthe adaptor body 500 from the drilled core.

In still other exemplary embodiments, rather than having a male threadedportion at the first end 620, the first end may have a female threadedportion (not shown in the figures). The female threaded portion may besufficiently sized to be threaded onto the threaded collar 515 of theadaptor body 500. In this embodiment, the need for a coupling 700 may beavoided.

After the adaptor body 500 is installed, a covering 800 may be used tocover the hole created and to protect the adaptor body 500. Asillustrated in FIG. 11, the covering 800 includes a threaded portion805, a cavity 810, a flange 815, and slotted portion 820. FIG. 12further illustrates the exemplary covering 800 joined with the adaptorbody 500. As shown, the covering 800 is lowered onto the adaptor body500 so that the first barbed portion 505 is recessed within the cavity810. To secure the covering 800, the threaded portion 805 of thecovering 800 is threaded over the threaded portion 515 of the adaptorbody 500. The proper covering 800 fit results in the flange 815 of thecovering 800 resting atop and being drawn to the surface of the materialin which the adaptor body 500 rests. To fully tighten down the covering800, a screwdriver or other similar device may be used in the slottedportion 820.

To stand up to wear and tear, the covering 800 may be constructed frommetal or other materials that are strong enough to protect the adaptorbody 500. Before the covering 800 is applied to the adaptor body 500, acap (not shown in the figures) may be placed over the first barbedportion 505 to prevent debris from entering the adaptor body 500.Although the slotted portion 820 shown is for a spanner screwdriver, italso known to be designed to accommodate flat, Phillips, and hex headscrewdrivers as well as other tools.

While the advent of the prior art devices generally described above haslargely brought with it vastly improved techniques to the field sub-slabsoil gas collection, sampling and analysis, recent advances in the fieldhave developed a surprising increase in demand for soil gas collectionand analysis at points beneath the slab. While preferred knowntechniques are viewed as superior in that they, for example, providereduced or eliminated leakage, are unobtrusive with respect to theinterior of a building when installed, and have dramatically reduced thecost and difficulties of installation over previously-used devices, theyhave been found impractical to use in connection with other, externalsampling devices placed within the sampling hole or used to collectsamples at points beneath the slab.

There is also a desire in the field for the ability to collect foranalysis samples of sub-slab soil gas at a source that lies beneath theslab itself, or coincident with or adjacent to the base of the slab.Known prior art devices provide no extensibility, and therefore must bemanufactured at a length appropriate to reach the desired point ofcollection or a large-diameter hole must be cored to a further depth inorder to seat known devices lower in relation to the top surface of theslab. It has also been discovered that sub-slab soil gas collection atpoints at or beneath the bottom surface of the slab is often impracticalwith known devices due to contamination, blockage and clogging, andmoisture collection concerns.

The invented system also provides certain improvements in thecollection, sampling and analysis process of sub-slab soil gas in viewof repeated sampling that often occurs at multiple locations. Forinstance, foundation slab thicknesses may often vary from location tolocation to such an extent that those in the field must either obtainmultiple sizes of the prior art devices described above, or obtain oftenunobtainable knowledge of slab thickness prior to coring, in order toalign the ingress opening of the device at a precise position relativeto the top or bottom surface of the slab involved.

To overcome these and other drawbacks with the current art, the presentinvention utilizes in part an improved adaptor body relative to knowndevices. As will be explained in further detail below, exemplaryembodiments of the new adaptor body have a length and proximal anddistal ends, and are generally provided with a first barbed portiondisposed at the proximal end of the adaptor body, a second barbedportion disposed at the distal end of the adaptor body, a collar portiondisposed between the first barbed portion and the second barbed portion,and an internal cavity having an interior surface and passing throughthe length of the adaptor body. The aforementioned features are similarin function and variety to those described above in exemplary prior artadaptor bodies, for example adaptor bodies 15 and 500 shown in FIGS. 1and 7, respectively. Exemplary adaptor bodies used in the inventedsystem, however, also include at least a coupling portion having aninternal thread disposed on the interior surface and extendinglongitudinally thereon from the distal end of the adaptor body. In thisway, the internal cavity through which soil gas is collected and drawnfrom the proximal end of the adaptor body for analysis may be extendedvia other extension components of the invented system, as furtherdescribed herein.

One exemplary component of the invented system may be, for instance, afitting extension 902 as illustrated in FIGS. 13a, 13b and 13c . FIG.13a shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a fittingextension 902, FIG. 13b shows a front elevation view of the fittingextension 902, and FIG. 13c shows a sectional view of the fittingextension 902 (taken through line 13 c-13 c shown in FIG. 13a ) from theperspective of FIG. 13b . Referring to these figures, the fittingextension 902 is shown having first 904 and second 906 ends generallydefining a length therebetween. An internal cavity 908 extendslongitudinally through the extension 902 from the first end 904 to anoutlet 910 at the second end 906. In preferred embodiments, the diameterof the cavity 908 is commensurate with or equal to the diameter of theinternal cavity of the adaptor body (e.g., see FIGS. 17-18).

The exemplary fitting extension 902 is shown having an attachment meansthat is complimentary with an improved embodiment of the adaptor body asfurther detailed herein below. The fitting extension 902 preferablyutilizes an external thread 912 disposed at the first end 904, which isadapted for complimentary threaded retention within a coupling portionof the adaptor body. The fitting extension 902 may also include afitting portion 914 disposed at the outlet 910 at the second end 906 ofthe extension 902. Generally, the fitting portion 914 may be embodied ina number of structures complimentary with other sampling devices orcomponents. In a preferred embodiment of the fitting extension 902 asshown in FIG. 13a , the fitting portion is a barb portion 914 disposedat the outlet 910. The barbed portion 914 generally includes at leastone conical-frustum shaped barb, for example, and facilitates thereleasable securement of tubing to connect the system to other samplingdevices or to extend the effective length of the internal cavity andthus the sampling depth.

The fitting extension 902 may further include an external engagingportion 916. The external engaging portion 916 generally provides ageometry suitable for engagement with a hand tool such as a wrench orother tool that is useful for assembling and disassembling thecomponents of the invented sampling system. In one embodiment, theexternal engaging portion 916 is disposed between the external thread912 and the barbed portion 914. The external engaging portion 916depicted here is of substantially circular shape with a pair of opposedsides that are substantially parallel to one another. The opposing sidesmay be described as secants of the substantially circular shape. Inother embodiments, the external engaging portion may be substantiallyhexagonal or square in cross-sectional shape, or other such geometriessuitable for use with a wrench or other tools to provide a mechanicaladvantage.

Another exemplary component of the invented system may be, for instance,a filter extension 922 as illustrated in FIGS. 14a, 14b and 14c . FIG.14a shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a filterextension 922, FIG. 14b shows a front elevation view of the filterextension 922, and FIG. 14c shows a sectional view of the filterextension 922 (taken through line 14 c-14 c shown in FIG. 14a ) from theperspective of FIG. 14b . Referring to these figures, the filterextension 922 is shown having first 924 and second 926 ends generallydefining a length therebetween. An internal cavity 928 extendslongitudinally through the extension 922 from the first end 924 to anoutlet 930 at the second end 926. In preferred embodiments, the diameterof the cavity 928 is commensurate with or equal to the diameter of theinternal cavity of the adaptor body (e.g., see FIGS. 17-18).

The exemplary filter extension 922 is shown having an attachment meansthat is complimentary with an improved embodiment of the adaptor body asfurther detailed herein below. The filter extension 922 preferablyutilizes an external thread 932 disposed at the first end 924, which isadapted for complimentary threaded retention within a coupling portionof the adaptor body. The filter extension 922 may also include a filterelement 934 disposed at the outlet 930 at the second end 926 of theextension 922. In some embodiments, the filter extension 922 includes abarbed portion 936 with the filter element 934 attached thereto. Thebarbed portion 936 generally includes at least one conical-frustumshaped barb for retainment within an attachment aperture bycomplimentary engagement between one or more internal ribs 938 of thefilter element 934. In one embodiment, the filter element 934 is made ofa sintered porous metal.

The filter extension 922 may further include an external engagingportion 940. The external engaging portion 940 generally provides ageometry suitable for engagement with a hand tool such as a wrench orother tool that is useful for assembling and disassembling thecomponents of the invented sampling system. In one embodiment, theexternal engaging portion 940 is disposed between the external thread932 and the barbed portion 936 or filter element 934. The externalengaging portion 940 depicted here is of substantially circular shapewith a pair of opposed sides that are substantially parallel to oneanother. The opposing sides may be described as secants of thesubstantially circular shape. In other embodiments, the externalengaging portion may be substantially hexagonal or square incross-sectional shape, or other such geometries suitable for use with awrench or other tools to provide a mechanical advantage.

Another exemplary component of the invented system may be, for instance,a sieve extension 952 as illustrated in FIGS. 15a, 15b and 15c . FIG.15a shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a sieveextension 952, FIG. 15b shows a front elevation view of the sieveextension 952, and FIG. 15c shows a sectional view of the sieveextension 952 (taken through line 15 c-15 c shown in FIG. 15a ) from theperspective of FIG. 15b . Referring to these figures, the sieveextension 952 is shown having first 954 and second 956 ends generallydefining a length therebetween. An internal cavity 958 extendslongitudinally through the extension 952 from the first end 954 to anoutlet 960 at the second end 956. In preferred embodiments, the diameterof the cavity 958 is commensurate with or equal to the diameter of theinternal cavity of the adaptor body (e.g., see FIGS. 17-18).

The sieve extension 952 may include a plurality of lateral outlets 962each intersecting with the internal cavity 958 to provide alternatepathways through which sub-slab soil gas may enter the system. Thelateral outlets 962 are depicted in FIGS. 15a-15c in addition to theprimary outlet 960; however those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the primary outlet 960 may be left open or closed in variousembodiments of the invention. In preferred embodiments, six lateralbores, or outlet cavities 968, intersecting with the internal cavity 958are provided for a total of twelve lateral outlets 962, although more orless may be provided without departing from the invented system. Forexample, while the preferred embodiment shown is provided with threepair of outlet cavities 968 extending laterally through the sieveextension 952—in an intersecting “X” pattern—any practical number andconfiguration that provides alternate pathways for sub-slab soil gascollection is considered known and encompassed by the instant invention.

In some embodiments, the plurality of lateral outlets 962 is located onan external engaging portion 964 of the sieve extension 952. Theexternal engaging portion 964 depicted here is of substantially circularshape with a pair of opposed sides that are substantially parallel toone another. The opposing sides may be described as secants of thesubstantially circular shape. In other embodiments, the externalengaging portion may be substantially hexagonal or square incross-sectional shape, or other such geometries suitable for use with awrench or other tools to provide a mechanical advantage.

The exemplary sieve extension 952 is shown having an attachment meansthat is complimentary with an improved embodiment of the adaptor body asfurther detailed herein below. The fitting extension 952 preferablyutilizes an external thread 966 disposed at the first end 954, which isadapted for complimentary threaded retention within a coupling portionof the adaptor body.

Another exemplary component of the invented system may be, for instance,a length extension 972 as illustrated in FIGS. 16a, 16b and 16c . FIG.16a shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a lengthextension 972, FIG. 16b shows a front elevation view of the lengthextension 972, and FIG. 16c shows a sectional view of the lengthextension 972 (taken through line 16 c-16 c shown in FIG. 16a ) from theperspective of FIG. 16b . Referring to these figures, the lengthextension 972 is shown having first 974 and second 976 ends generallydefining a length therebetween. An internal cavity 978 extendslongitudinally through the extension 972 from the first end 974 to anoutlet 980 at the second end 976. In preferred embodiments, the diameterof the cavity 978 is commensurate with or equal to the diameter of theinternal cavity of the adaptor body (e.g., see FIGS. 17-18). Theexemplary length extension 972 is also shown having an attachment meansthat is complimentary with an improved embodiment of the adaptor body asfurther detailed herein below. The length extension 972 preferablyutilizes an external thread 982 disposed at the first end 974, which isadapted for complimentary threaded retention within a coupling portionof the adaptor body.

While a length extension 972 component may simply be utilized to extendthe effective sampling depth of the invented system, in preferredembodiments, the length extension 972 is coupled to and between animproved adaptor body and an extension—e.g., the fitting extension 902,the filter extension 922 or the sieve extension 952. In thoseembodiments, the length extension 972 is further provided with acoupling portion 984 disposed at the second end, wherein the lengthextension 972 is releasably securable to one of the aforementionedextensions, for instance. In preferred embodiments, the coupling portion984 is provided as an internal thread disposed on the interior surface986 of the internal cavity 978. The internal thread extendslongitudinally on the interior surface 986 from the second end of thelength extension, and is adapted to threadably retain the externalthread of a second extension (e.g., 912, 932 or 966).

Some embodiments of the length extension 972 may further include anexternal engaging portion 988. The external engaging portion generallyprovides a geometry suitable for engagement with a hand tool such as awrench or other tool that is useful for assembling and disassembling thecomponents of the invented sampling system, or may simply be provided asa circular surface for hand gripping, as shown in FIGS. 16a-16c . Theexternal engaging portion may also be, for example, substantiallycircular in shape with a pair of opposed sides that are substantiallyparallel to one another, as described in connection with other extensionembodiments if desired. The opposing sides may be described as secantsof the substantially circular shape. In other embodiments, the externalengaging portion may be substantially hexagonal or square incross-sectional shape, or other such geometries suitable for use with awrench or other tools to provide a mechanical advantage.

Turning to FIG. 17, a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of theinvented sampling system 1000 in use in connection with an exemplaryslab 200 and native material or backfill 300 in illustrated. Theinvented system 1000 includes an improved adaptor body 1002 having alength and proximal 1004 and distal 1006 ends. The adaptor body 1002generally includes a first barbed portion 1008 disposed at the proximalend 1004 and a second barbed portion 1010 disposed at the distal end1006. A collar portion 1012 is disposed between the first 1008 andsecond 1010 barbed portions, and an internal cavity 1014 having aninterior surface 1016 passes through the length of the adaptor body1002. These basic elements and their variations and equivalents aregenerally known in the art.

The improved adaptor body 1002, however, further includes a couplingportion 1018 disposed at the distal end 1006 of the adaptor body 1002.In preferred embodiments, the coupling portion 1018 is provided as aninternal thread disposed on the interior surface of the internal cavity1014, extending longitudinally thereon from the distal end 1006 of theadaptor body 1002. The coupling portion 1018 is adapted forcomplimentary threaded retention of an external thread of an extension,for instance a fitting extension 902 as shown in FIG. 17 and describedin more detail in connection with FIGS. 13a-13c . In this exemplaryembodiment, a length of tubing, for instance, can be attached to thefitting portion of the fitting extension 902 to provide for additionaldepth for sampling points.

A sectional view of a further exemplary embodiment of the inventedsampling system 1000 in use in connection with an exemplary slab 200 isillustrated in FIG. 18. An exemplary improved adaptor body 1002 is shownas described in further detail in connection with FIG. 17 above. In thisembodiment, a length extension 972 is threadably attached to and betweenthe coupling portion 1018 of the adaptor body 1002 and a filterextension 922. This exemplary configuration, for example, permits theuser to extend the effective length of the internal cavity 1014 to asampling point below the slab 200, and further provides a means forfiltering particulates from the vapor stream being sampled via thefilter element 934.

These and other configurations of the exemplary system components willbe evident to those skilled in the art after reading the disclosureprovided herein. The invented system may thus be used to sample sub-slabsoil gas with increased efficiency and extensibility, and furtherreduces the intrusion of such sampling activities into the day-to-dayoperations being conducted in any given sampling site.

The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explainsome of the principles of the present invention so that others skilledin the art may practice the invention. While certain embodiments of thepresent invention are described in detail above, the scope of theinvention is not to be considered limited by such disclosure, andmodifications are possible without departing from the spirit of theinvention as evidenced by the following claims:

What is claimed:
 1. A system for facilitating the sampling of a sub-slabsoil gas comprising: an adaptor body having a length and proximal anddistal ends, comprising: a first barbed portion disposed at the proximalend of the adaptor body; a second barbed portion disposed at the distalend of the adaptor body; a collar portion disposed between the firstbarbed portion and the second barbed portion; an internal cavity havingan interior surface and passing through the length of the adaptor body;and a coupling portion comprising an internal thread disposed on theinterior surface and extending longitudinally thereon from the distalend of the adaptor body; and an extension having a length and first andsecond ends, comprising: an internal cavity extending longitudinallythrough the extension from the first end of the extension to an outletat the second end of the extension; and an external thread disposed atthe first end adapted for complimentary threaded retention within thecoupling portion of the adaptor body.
 2. The system of claim 1 whereinthe extension is a fitting extension, the fitting extension furthercomprising a fitting portion disposed at the outlet.
 3. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the extension is a fitting extension, the fittingextension further comprising a barbed portion disposed at the outlet. 4.The system of claim 3 further comprising: a length extension havingfirst and second ends coupled to and between the adaptor body and thefitting extension, the length extension further comprising: an internalcavity having an interior surface extending longitudinally through thelength extension from the first end to the second end; an externalthread disposed at the first end adapted for complimentary threadedretention within the coupling portion of the adaptor body; and acoupling portion comprising an internal thread disposed on the interiorsurface and extending longitudinally thereon from the second end of thelength extension, wherein the internal thread is adapted to threadablyretain the external thread of the fitting extension.
 5. The system ofclaim 3 further comprising an external engaging portion disposed betweenthe external thread and the barbed portion of the fitting extension. 6.The system of claim 1 wherein the extension is a filter extension, thefilter extension further comprising a filter element disposed at theoutlet.
 7. The system of claim 6 further comprising: a length extensionhaving first and second ends coupled to and between the adaptor body andthe filter extension, the length extension further comprising: aninternal cavity having an interior surface extending longitudinallythrough the length extension from the first end to the second end; anexternal thread disposed at the first end adapted for complimentarythreaded retention within the coupling portion of the adaptor body; anda coupling portion comprising an internal thread disposed on theinterior surface and extending longitudinally thereon from the secondend of the length extension, wherein the internal thread is adapted tothreadably retain the external thread of the filter extension.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the extension is a filter extension, thefilter extension further comprising: a filter element having anattachment aperture and at least one internal rib disposed within theattachment aperture; and a barbed portion having at least one barbdisposed at the outlet, wherein the barbed portion is retained withinthe attachment aperture of the filter element by complimentaryengagement between the at least one internal rib and the at least onebarb.
 9. The system of claim 8 wherein the filter element comprises asintered porous metal.
 10. The system of claim 8 further comprising anexternal engaging portion disposed between the external thread and thebarbed portion of the filter extension.
 11. The system of claim 1wherein the extension is a sieve extension, the sieve extension furthercomprising a plurality of lateral outlets wherein each lateral outletintersects with the internal cavity of the sieve extension.
 12. Thesystem of claim 11 further comprising an external engaging portiondisposed at the second end of the sieve extension.
 13. The system ofclaim 12 wherein the external engaging portion has a length and acircular cross-sectional shape with two opposing parallel sides.
 14. Thesystem of claim 13 wherein the plurality of lateral outlets comprises atleast one pair of outlet cavities extending laterally through theengaging portion in an intersecting “X” pattern.
 15. The system of claim13 wherein the plurality of lateral outlets comprises three pair ofoutlet cavities extending laterally through the engaging portion, eachin an intersecting “X” pattern.
 16. The system of claim 11 furthercomprising: a length extension having first and second ends coupled toand between the adaptor body and the sieve extension, the lengthextension further comprising: an internal cavity having an interiorsurface extending longitudinally through the length extension from thefirst end to the second end; an external thread disposed at the firstend adapted for complimentary threaded retention within the couplingportion of the adaptor body; and a coupling portion comprising aninternal thread disposed on the interior surface and extendinglongitudinally thereon from the second end of the length extension,wherein the internal thread is adapted to threadably retain the externalthread of the sieve extension.